FAQs

But you may still have questions or concerns about treatment for sexual addiction…

I’ve tried counseling for this before and it didn’t work.

If you have sought help for this issue in the past, you know how important a support system can be in your recovery. It is important to understand that the counselor or therapist you saw for treatment may not have had the knowledge base or the experience needed to treat addiction. Many therapists are not trained in treating sex addiction, and you may not have received the help you needed. I am a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, and I can help you take lasting control of your addiction by treating the root cause as well as the symptoms.

Sex addiction isn’t really a problem.

It can be difficult to see addiction in yourself. It can include pornography or webcamming, though it may not be confined to the Internet. You may regularly go to the strip club or find yourself involved in one – or multiple – affairs. There are very real consequences – and treatments – for sexual addiction. But you must be willing to admit there is a problem and commit to your recovery before you can expect to create lasting change in your behavior.

If my partner could just accept my behavior we wouldn’t have a problem.

In some cases you may feel that your addiction is not harmful or that it is only a problem because your partner has taken issue with it. While you may feel this way, I would encourage you to ask yourself a few simple but direct questions. Do I think my partner will ever truly accept my compulsive or addictive sexual behavior? Is it fair of me to ask him or her to accept it? What damage has this one to my relationship? Your honest answers may help you better understand your partner’s concern.

I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?

Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the ability to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. You already have some strengths that you’ve used before, that for whatever reason isn’t working right now. Perhaps this problem feels overwhelming and is making it difficult to access your past strengths. In our work together, I’ll help you identify what those strengths are and how to implement them again in what is happening now.

What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?

The difference is between someone who can do something, and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, therapy is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, if you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.

Why shouldn’t I just take medication?

Medication alone cannot solve all issues. What medication does is treat the symptoms. Our work together is designed to explore the root of the issue, dig deep into your behavior and teach strategies that can help you accomplish your personal and/or relational goals.

Medication can be effective and is sometimes needed in conjunction with therapy.

How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?

Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual. I tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific needs

How long will it take?

Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time therapy can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek therapy in the first place.

I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?

I am so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication is crucial to your success. After all, we only see each other for a session a week. It’s the work you do outside of our sessions that will really help you see your personal growth and development.

My partner and I are having problems. Should we be in individual counseling or come together?

If you are concerned about your relationship, and you would both like to work with me, I would initially work with both of you together. After this work, if one of you would like to continue in individual sessions, I could work with only one of you. It is not helpful to move from individual into couple’s work with the same therapist because of potential trust issues.

Contact Today